Error 1004
Apple macOS
Severity: ModerateWhat it means
App Store error 1004 means the Mac could not connect to Apple's App Store servers.
This is usually a temporary server issue or a network problem.
Check your internet connection and try again.
Affected Models
- macOS Sonoma
- macOS Ventura
- macOS Monterey
- macOS Big Sur
Common Causes
- Apple's App Store servers are temporarily down
- Your internet connection is unstable
- DNS settings preventing connection to Apple servers
- Date and time set incorrectly on your Mac
- VPN interfering with the App Store connection
How to Fix It
-
Check Apple's system status page.
Visit apple.com/support/systemstatus to see if the App Store is experiencing issues.
If it is down, wait for Apple to fix it. -
Sign out of the App Store and sign back in.
Store > Sign Out, then Store > Sign In.
This refreshes your authentication token. -
Check your date and time settings.
System Settings > General > Date & Time.
Make sure Set date and time automatically is enabled.
Incorrect time can cause certificate validation failures. -
Try changing your DNS to Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1).
System Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Details > DNS.
Bad DNS can prevent your Mac from finding Apple's servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is error 1004 only on Mac?
Error 1004 can appear on Mac, iPhone, and iPad when connecting to the App Store.
The causes and fixes are similar across all Apple devices.
Can a VPN cause App Store errors?
Yes.
VPNs can interfere with Apple's App Store connections.
Disable your VPN and try again.